I made a great decision by going camping this weekend. I’m going to chalk this one up as one of the great ones. The weather was moderate and seasonal, and mostly pleasant.  

A few highlights: I was able to see the Milky Way in hi-definition Friday night. I nipped on some shine with a local boy who wanted to sit at my campfire. A hippy played and sang Puff the Magic Dragon on his guitar, and I made friends with a dog named Booger who liked to steal my firewood. The same hippy had a second guitar with him so we were able to jam out “Time” by Pink Floyd. Unfortunately to his chagrin I was not a “Dead-Head.” An old rugged cowboy with a little friendly dog wanted to trade me his horse for Kristy’s Corolla (he wasn’t kidding, he asked me for the title). I swear I can’t make this stuff up!  

I hiked a total of 17 miles this weekend. 14 of those miles were on Saturday. 5.15 of those miles were from the South Terminus of the Sheltowee Trace. I hiked along the edges of some treacherous cliff lines (not by choice), but saw some gorgeous vistas! There was virtually no one out there, and I had the park mostly to myself.  

While out hiking I intentionally scared a couple of hikers. Its a game I play to see how long it takes other hikers to notice me on the trail. They were having a good time talking it up so I decided to stand real still like a tree on the side of the trail. I was wearing mostly green so I blended in well. They jumped out of their skins when they realized I was not a tree.  

I got to use all of the gear that I brought with me (which means I have mastered the art of packing). That made me happy, though I’m always thinking of ways to improve, and I still found things I want to change.  

It rained hard Saturday night. The huge drops drummed away at my tent putting me into a heavy sleep. I might have had a different feeling if I had been in the woods entirely alone, however the nearby lodge had plenty of patrons.  

I didn’t run into any bears though I was looking really hard (I’ve only seen one black bear in the wild so far). On two occasions I smelled a very musty and unaccounted-for smell, like an old dirty wet dog. That is how bears supposedly smell, so they were likely in the area. There was plenty of mast and berries in both areas, which would be ideal for grazing. I heard a snake but he slithered into the brush before I got to look at him.  

I had a fantastic weekend and I can’t wait to do it again. Now I smell like a bear and I’m yearning for my post-trip shower. I’ve camped out three weekends this summer and I plan on making this a record year! Anyone want to go? I’m a great trail guide with good instincts. I possess a strong foundation of skills (I have the Boy Scouts to thank for that), and I have plenty of extra gear to share. I promise I’m a good companion to have. I just need a ride to get out there.